Off Panel #546: Boom Tube with Tiffany Babb
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In this episode of Off Panel, host David Harper interviews Tiffany Babb, a prolific comics critic and creator behind The Comic Staple, The Comics Courier, and The Fan Files. Babb discusses her upcoming Kickstarter campaign for The Comic Staple—a monthly print zine designed to combat the fragmentation of comics news and criticism by curating diverse, expert voices in a single, accessible format. She reflects on her hyperactive creative drive, fueled by a fear of boredom and a deep love for the peak era of Comics Twitter, and explains how her projects aim to bridge the communication gap between publishers, creators, and readers. Babb also shares insights into the challenges of sustaining comics journalism in the digital age, the importance of mentorship, and the growing cultural shift toward physical media among younger audiences. The conversation touches on the Eisner Awards, the speculative bubble in comics, and the evolving role of critics in an era dominated by influencers and algorithmic content. Key takeaways include: 1) The Comic Staple is a curated, print-based solution to the overwhelming and decentralized nature of online comics coverage; 2) Babb emphasizes the power of trusted tastemakers in guiding readers through the vast comics landscape; 3) Physical print media offers a meaningful alternative to screen fatigue and algorithmic curation; 4) Mentorship and accessible publishing opportunities are critical for nurturing new voices in comics journalism; 5) The health of comics as a medium remains strong, despite economic and industry challenges. The episode ends on a hopeful note, celebrating the resilience and creativity of the comics community.
The Comic Staple solves the problem of fragmented comics news by curating diverse, expert voices in a single monthly print zine.
Trusted tastemakers—like David Brothers and Zainab Akhtar—are essential for guiding readers through the overwhelming volume of new comics.
Physical print media offers a meaningful antidote to screen fatigue and algorithmic content, especially among younger audiences.
Mentorship and accessible publishing opportunities are vital for nurturing new voices in comics journalism.
Despite economic challenges, comics as a medium remain vibrant and diverse, with high-quality work being produced across all genres and formats.
Introducing Tiffany Babb and the Launch of The Comic Staple
“I am feeling Mike Trout over the last two seasons. It's stressful. It's stressful. I feel the way he feels right before he got his 400th home run where all of a sudden he stopped hitting homers because he was just so stressed about it.”
The Origins of The Comic Staple: Filling the Gaps in Comics Coverage
“I have a deep yearning for the peak of comics Twitter. And like, I miss it so much. Like, I was a deep believer of that era of the internet.”
Curating Voices: The Power of Tastemakers in Comics
“There is this big, great democratization from social media, but also most people have bad taste. They do. And that's why critics, certain types of critics, people read their work because they want to see what you have to say about a book, right?”
The DIY Ethos and the Value of Print in a Digital Age
Babb details her commitment to a hands-on, DIY production process for The Comic Staple, including folding and stapling by hand. She explains her preference for physical media, citing screen fatigue and the tactile joy of print, and connects this to a broader Gen Z trend toward analog formats.
The State of Comics Journalism: Challenges and Resilience
The conversation shifts to the broader landscape of comics journalism. Babb defends the health of the field, arguing that quality criticism is more abundant than many believe, even if financial sustainability remains a challenge. She highlights the rise of podcasters, YouTubers, and influencers as new forms of critical engagement.
“People will say, well, we don't really need news reporters anymore. The influencers are all telling us the news. I'm like, but the influencers didn't get the news. Someone had to get the news for the influencer to tell you.”
“I have a deep yearning for the peak of comics Twitter. And like, I miss it so much. Like, I was a deep believer of that era of the internet.”
“There is this big, great democratization from social media, but also most people have bad taste. They do. And that's why critics, certain types of critics, people read their work because they want to see what you have to say about a book, right?”
Host
Guest
Tiffany Babb
person
David Harper
person
The Comic Staple
other
The Comics Courier
other
Blue Sky
other
Eisner Awards
other
Comics Twitter
other
TikTok
other
David Brothers
person
WonderCon
other
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